State offers $1 for every $2 in local fundraising for OpSail 2012

Hartford - New London's OpSail organizers received a Valentine's Day gift today from the Malloy administration, which is now offering to contribute state money for the summertime sailing event.

The governor's budget chief, Ben Barnes, informed OpSail2012CT Chairman John Johnson in a letter this afternoon that the state will put up $1 for every $2 in local fundraising, with a maximum $500,000 in potential state funding.

OpSail2012CT organizers had requested $500,000 from the state.

"The state has had to make many sacrifices over the past year in order to balance our
budget, and we must continue to diligently manage every resource," Barnes wrote in an emailed letter to Johnson.

"At the same time, Governor Malloy has made clear that he is committed to investing in Connecticut tourism and to stimulating local economic growth. We believe that OpSail2012 will be a valuable tool in that regard."

To access the state's full $500,000 offer, the event's organizers must raise a total $1 million.

John Johnson, chairman of OpSail2012CT, said they have raised about $350,000 since last fall. He anticipates a new burst of donations, as many potential contributors have been waiting to see what the state would do.

"I'm very thrilled to get a written commitment," Johnson said. "I think it's very generous on the part of the governor."

Johnson said that organizers need to raise their share of the money immediately. The tall ships are scheduled begin traveling to several U.S. cities on April 17, ending in New London July 6-9.

Johnson said it's "very possible" that they could raise $1 million in time, but added that he didn't know if that goal was "probable."

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio also welcomed the state's contribution. The city of New London has loaned OpSail organizers $50,000.

"I thank the state for their contribution and wish they could do more, but I understand that times are tough all around," Finizio said in a statement. "The city administration will do all that it can to assist the OpSail2012 committee plan for a successful event."